Jose Vettaparambil profile picture
Jose Vettaparambil profile picture

Jose Vettaparambil

Project manager at City of Pembroke Pines

Transitioning from Engineer to Sales

Hi All,


I would like to get some insights about what i need to focus on to land in an entry level sales job. I have experience in Oil and gas as engineer and Project manger. I do have Masters and Bachelors in Engineering, currently i am planning to transition into Sales to provide extra income for my family.


Is there any recommendations or suggestions that you can provide for me to find a remote/hybrid part time entry level sales jobs?


Please let me know your thoughts.

๐Ÿ‘‘ Sales Strategy
๐Ÿ‘ฅ Hiring
๐Ÿค Networking
13

30 comments

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sketchysales
Politicker
5
Sales Manager
Are there any entry level jobs that are currently open in your market area, thinking of oil and gas? Im unsure how sales works in that market but it could be a starting place to look.

Making record money there at the moment and if you could apply your real world knowledge to your own selling it could set you forward.
1
Project manager
I have looked into those positions, but oil and gas are pretty dominant with experienced personals, I have never heard of anyone hiring for entry-level positions in Oil and gas. At the same time, the job requires more on-site sales than remote sales.
sketchysales
Politicker
2
Sales Manager
Thats fair. Create a bit of a road map for yourself, be prepared for the fact that its going to be very unlikely you are going to walk into a big money making sales gig on the first round.

You can approach any job with a decent amount of real world experience which i feel could set you forward, you may just have to be ok with something pretty junior for 12 months or so as you get yourself onto the sales ladder.
1
Project manager
That's a good tip, any suggestions on how to start applying?
sketchysales
Politicker
1
Sales Manager
Others could answer that better than me, i havent applied in a long time.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
4
Sales Rep
I highly recommend starting with your network, if there aren't many who are in sales. Start networking with your company to meet the sales team that might be hiring
0
Project manager
Im currently trying those as an option, but I couldn't find anything remote job.
braintank
Politicker
3
Enterprise Account Executive
Have a good resume focused on quantifiable outcomes.

Get a referral.
1
Project manager
What do you suggest as quantifiable outcomes?
braintank
Politicker
2
Enterprise Account Executive
Focused on numbers.

Resume needs to translate experience into performance. Not just description of what you did.
1
Project manager
I get what you mean thank you, that's a great tip!
detectivegibbles
Politicker
3
Sales Director
My thoughts:

Is this decision solely income based?

Will you still be working as an engineer or project manager?

The war room primarily focuses on tech sales but tons of great info. Not sure if you're aware, the sales job market hasn't been ideal the last 6+ months.

Start learning through tech sales U and reading the articles in the Academy section.
1
Project manager
I do want to keep my current job as a project manager until I can find a sales job that I can stay with.

I will work on learning more about Tech sales and educate myself too.

But are there any suggestions on how to get an entry-level remote job? is that even possible?
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
2
Lead Sales
I would like to suggest reading The Challenger Sale by Matthew Dixon. I have seen a few engineers who have been able to adapt that style of sales very well due to their level of technical knowledge.
1
Project manager
Thank you, i will look into this book!
GingerBarbarian
Opinionated
0
Lead Sales
What kind of engineering did you do? I may have someone you should connect with depending on what your specialty is.
0
Project manager
My expertise is on Oil and gas industry, I did Petroleum and Ocean engineering. Currently working as a project manager for construction projects. That would be great if you can connect me with someone. I really appreciate it!
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
so this is a pretty hard thing to do. sine most companies want someone with sales skills.

I would look to companies that are in the oil and gas field.

if you dont have sales experience, industry experience is also very helpful.

starting out in sales the base pay may be below than what you are making. I was in sales for 6 years before i got a base over $50K.

but the income IS there for sure.
1
Project manager
I am definitely looking into something related to my expertise, but it seems even harder than the other industry sales. but i will keep looking into those still.
starson
Good Citizen
2
Senior Sales Manager
Understood. Hence my suggestion of maybe moving to a smaller company. Generally speaking often times a move from one company to the next can get you a decent increase.
The other method could be (if you want to stay where you are): apply to the a few other companies. Get offers and then show them (packages only) to your boss and have a chat about your market value.
0
Project manager
I have tried the second option, which didn't go well. I am just looking into something I can work part-time too.
Thesamiam13x
Celebrated Contributor
2
Sales
Whats the reason on wanting to jump into sales?
0
Project manager
Mainly for income
Maximas
Tycoon
1
Senior Sales Executive
Do you have an already hired sales rep that could refer you, hopefully there is!

If not I would agree with most of what being said to focus on your resume, besides explaining how you're already successful at the engineering role you need also to focus on confirming on how passionate you are to join the sales career and the key points you'll be able to add to the sales role once being accepted.

Best of luck!
0
Project manager
No, I do not have any references. I will work on improving my skills.
Thank you for the tip
starson
Good Citizen
1
Senior Sales Manager
Would advise against it. Sales requires a very โ€žuniqueโ€œ skillset.
Not for everyone and I have seen more people with a move like this fail than vice versa.
If it is about money why not apply for a higher level position CPO at a startup and make more that way?
If you are insistent find someone in sales and ask to shadow for a bit.
0
Project manager
CPO requires more than my experience, I am trying to look into something I can make extra cash on the side.
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
Try to stay in your industry and with your current company if possible.
TKM4
1
VP Sales (retired)
Went down this path many years ago. I started as a process engineer in the plastics industry moved over to product design and then got my MBA and moved over to high tech (HP) as a marketing engineer and then onto hi tech sales. If I were to do this over, I would probably hook up with your sales team and network like hell and try to find a sales leader that would mentor you and help you find your first sales gig.
0
Project manager
I will work on this, thank you!

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